The Shop That Must Not Be Named Reviews Summary

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Pros:

• "A superb Harry Potter store with meticulous decoration and magical details."
• "The shop is right at the bottom of the Shambles in York City Centre, which has been transformed into a Wizarding Paradise to resemble Diagon Alley."
• "From the outside of the building with the broomstick parking, to the music playing inside the store, everything feels like you’ve stepped into one of the businesses of the magical world."
• "The interior and exterior have the atmosphere as if you’ve just walked into Diagon alley."
• "The shop front blends in perfectly on the Shambles (the street said to have inspired Diagon Alley)."
• "The Shop That Must Not Be Named brings the fantasy to life for Potter Fans. The Shop feels believable and sets the scene."
• "The shop itself was quite nice."
• "The staff dress as witches and wizards and are legitimately interested in having a conversation about HP."

Cons:

• "The only thing I didn't like was how cramped it was - it was quite packed when I went there."
• "The shop is small and cramped, and on the Saturday I visited, very busy."
• "Most likely only due to the association with Harry Potter, but I would say the shop itself doesn’t justify waiting in the cold to enter."
• "We were fully prepared to spend loads of money, but couldn't even get near the cash & decided we were better off getting out before claustrophobia really took it's toll."
• "Smaller than I'd expected."
• "The queue was remarkable, but that may have been because it's only recently opened."
• "This store shouldn't be taken lightly during the summer season, as it will be busy and hard to get in to."
• "Didn't wait for too long. Service was slightly slow but that is to be expected with such a small store."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "Staff are lovely and friendly and are all dressed up in Hogwarts uniform."
• "The staff are extremely friendly and helpful."
• "Staff handled it really well and they were really nice."
• "The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they will let you browse at your own pace."
• "Staff are very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the items."
• "The staff are dressed in robes and are also keen Wizarding World enthusiasts."
• "Staff are friendly and helpful. 1 offered to show me the different boxes for the wands."
• "Staff are very friendly and happy to talk Harry Potter all day long."

Cons:

• "The staff here are SO rude."
• "Staff are rude and the stuff is over priced toot."
• "Looked through door lady jumped in front of me like a bouncer and with an attitude states there's a queue."
• "The man on the till was lovely and funny too. They accept cash."
• "Service was slightly slow but that is to be expected with such a small store."
• "The staff were exceptional and patient and offered to get them down if I really wanted to buy them."
• "Had a nice chat while we waited in the fairly long queue to get in (covid restrictions)."
• "Good friendly staff some dressed up."

Product Variety and Quality

Pros:

• "On the item side, we find everything (official products, Noble Collection products, a wide and beautiful range of Minalima products including all the latest new products, some artisanal products like tea or candles etc.)."
• "I actually saw and purchased some items that I preferred to the ones available at the London Studio Tour gift shops."
• "This place also had a HUGE variety of items to choose from! I'm afraid I might have to buy a larger suitcase or leave all of my clothes behind!"
• "The shop is stocked full to the brim of everything you could wish to see."
• "It's in The Shambles. You can only walk, as there are narrow streets full of tourists and shops."
• "They have a lot of items, some I think I never saw anywhere else."
• "The shop is an experience in itself with Harry Potter stuff seeing all the things from the books/films."
• "Well worth queueing though for any Harry Potter fan to get their geek on!!"

Cons:

• "I personally think it's overpriced? But that's just me and nonetheless my kid bought something for herself."
• "Overly priced, man! It's sad and disappointing as I was planning on buying so many things from here especially a wand or two as gifts but seeing the price tags caught me off guard."
• "I found it very expensive for items you can buy elsewhere much cheaper."
• "As always with anything concerning the Potter books and films a premium price is put on all merchandise, this shop is the perfect example, the prices are far higher than their website even with postage."
• "A bit expensive, but expected that."
• "The prices are a bit on the high side."
• "Some clothing, lots of knick-knacks. Fine if you are a Gryffindor or Slytherin, Hufflepuffs not so much."
• "Just over priced Harry Potter stuff."